WILBRAHAM, Mass. (WWLP) – There’s an ongoing debate whether to merge middle schools in Hampden and Wilbraham and residents are making sure their voices on the controversy get heard.

Hampden residents opposed to merging their Thornton Burgess Middle School with Wilbraham Middle School demonstrated Saturday outside St. Mary’s Church.

Mary Ellen Glover, of Hampden mentioned, “It is our position this is not in the best interests of the town of Hampden, nor is it in the best interests of our students, not is it in the best interests of education.”

There are others that disagree. One Wilbraham parent told 22News she thinks the merge would provide more opportunities and benefits to Hampden students.

Sarah Kane, of Wilbraham said, “There are some benefits to merge the schools which mainly would be give more extracurricular activities to the children in Hampden.”

Others for the merge say the move would reduce educational costs at a time when enrollment is decreasing.

Residents of the Hampden/ Wilbraham school district will vote on the proposed merger on Monday.